The 2025–26 Canada West Women’s Basketball season is set to tip off, and Manitoba’s three university programs — the Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg Wesmen, and Brandon Bobcats — are ready to make their presence felt in a deep and competitive conference.
The Canada West Coaches Poll ranks the trio back-to-back-to-back heading into the season, with Manitoba at No. 12, Winnipeg at No. 13, and Brandon at No. 14 among 17 programs. Defending national champion Saskatchewan tops the poll, followed by Alberta and UBC rounding out the top three
Full 2025–26 Canada West Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll Rankings:
-
Saskatchewan Huskies
-
Alberta Pandas
-
UBC Thunderbirds
-
Calgary Dinos
-
Regina Cougars
-
Victoria Vikes
-
Trinity Western Spartans
-
UBCO Heat
-
Fraser Valley Cascades
-
Mount Royal Cougars
-
Lethbridge Pronghorns
-
Manitoba Bisons
-
Winnipeg Wesmen
-
Brandon Bobcats
-
Thompson Rivers WolfPack
-
MacEwan Griffins
-
UNBC Timberwolves
Manitoba Bisons (Ranked #12)
The Manitoba Bisons, led by head coach Michele Sung in her 12th season, return the bulk of last year’s roster and look primed for a breakout campaign. The Bisons have bolstered their lineup with the province’s top recruit, Taylor Schepp, alongside veteran transfers Kyu Fust (Regina) and Alexis Hart (Douglas College).
Third-year standout Anna Miko will again anchor the Herd after averaging 11.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season. A versatile forward with elite rebounding ability, Miko’s consistency often dictates Manitoba’s success — the Bisons went 4–1 in games where she posted a double-double.
Key Additions: Kyu Fust (Winnipeg, MB), Taylor Schepp (Winnipeg, MB), Alexis Hart (Coquitlam, BC)
Returning Leaders: Miko (11.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG), E. Mandamin (2.2 APG)
Season Opener: Oct. 24 at Brandon
Winnipeg Wesmen (Ranked #13)
The Winnipeg Wesmen, under head coach Alyssa Cox, enter 2025–26 with an experienced and hungry roster. The backcourt will feature fourth-year guard Raia Guinto, who steps into a leadership role following the graduation of five-year starter Anna Kernaghan. Guinto led the Wesmen last year with 11.0 points per game, while forward Sophie Boitson (5.0 RPG) adds stability inside.
The team’s roster includes several key additions, including Jennifer Edwards (Vincent Massey Collegiate), Missy May Valdez (Olympic College, WA), and Briana Ehrmantraut (Canadian Mennonite University), each bringing additional depth and energy to the rotation.
Key Performer: Raia Guinto (11.0 PPG, 2.0 APG)
Season Opener: Oct. 26 vs. Brandon
Brandon Bobcats (Ranked #14)
The Brandon Bobcats, in year two under head coach Ilarion Bonhomme, continue to build their program foundation while returning fifth-year guard Piper Ingalls — one of the conference’s most prolific scorers. Ingalls averaged 13.1 points per game last season, leading the team in nearly every offensive category.
Brandon’s young roster includes six second-year players and three first-years, signalling a focus on development while aiming to boost last season’s two-win total. Additions such as Ella Averill (Australia), Jessie Sumner (Brandon, MB), and Caytah Vargas (Winnipeg, MB) bring new energy to a growing program.
Key Performer: Piper Ingalls (13.1 PPG, 32.8% FG, 27.9% 3PT)
Season Opener: Oct. 24 vs. Manitoba
Conference Outlook
The Saskatchewan Huskies, winners of eight of the past 11 conference titles, enter as favourites to repeat after sweeping both the 2025 Canada West and U SPORTS national championships. Alberta and UBC are expected to be top challengers, while Manitoba’s programs each look poised to climb the standings through veteran leadership and new local talent
The regular season tips off October 24 and runs through February 7, with playoffs set to begin February 13. Fans can watch every game live in person or on CanadaWest.TV.